Front supporting seated apparatus

ABSTRACT

A front-support apparatus includes a seat section; and a front support section. The front support section may be substantially perpendicular to the seated section. The front support section may include a top support section, and multiple flanges extending and protruding horizontally from the top support section. The apparatus may be a stand-alone apparatus capable of being placed on a chair via the seat section and held in place on the chair by user weight. Alternatively, the front support section may clamp to a seat of an existing chair to provide support to the user&#39;s torso/shoulder area. Alternatively, the apparatus may be integrated with a chair. The apparatus may be adjustable to accommodate users of different sizes.

BACKGROUND

Back pain is a common and often debilitating ailment. Individuals suffering from back pain sometimes seek expensive medical treatment, ranging from medication, physical therapy, chiropractic services, surgery, etc. Back supporting devices (e.g., back braces, support cushions, specialized mattresses, etc.) are also often used to alleviate back pain.

Poor posture and spinal misalignment is often a culprit leading to back pain. For example, spinal misalignment may place added weight and pressure on spinal discs, leading to back pain, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, or similar ailments. Poor posture is often exacerbated for an individual when the individual sits on a chair for a substantial period of time, particularly when the user leans forward (e.g., to type on a keyboard, read, or write). Chairs and seats exist with varying degrees of lumbar and thoracic support; however, these remedies are often abandoned by users and only support the user when the user is seated in an upright or back-leaning position. Yoga balls and other backless seating devices that emphasize strengthening of the core also result in fatigue during long use, causing the user to abandon their use after a period time, thereby leading to back pain as described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an example overview of an example embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show perspective views of examples of a front support apparatus.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show front views of examples of a front support apparatus.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an example front support section of the front support apparatus.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an example front support apparatus.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example front support apparatus.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of an example front support apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of details of an example clamping bracket and a front support component for a front support apparatus.

FIGS. 13A-13C show side views of various shapes of a front support apparatus.

FIGS. 14A-14C show perspective views of various shapes of a seat section of a front support apparatus.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show side views of an adjustable extendable front support section in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of an adjustable extendable front support section in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention may include an apparatus that supports the user from the front while the user is seated. When used in combination with a chair having a back, the user will have both front and back support when sitting in the chair. Advantageously, a user's proper posture while the user is seated may be better maintained even when the user has a tendency to lean forward while seated (e.g., when the user is seated at a computer for typing, reading, writing, etc.). As a result, spinal alignment may be improved, thereby potentially reducing or preventing back pain for the user. Additionally, the present invention may allow for increased productivity due to an increased number of comfortable seating positions for the user, allowing for longer sessions of ergonomically supported sitting.

FIG. 1 shows an example overview of an example embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a front support apparatus 100 (or a front-torso support apparatus) may include a front support section 102 and a seat section 104. As shown in FIG. 1, a user may use front support apparatus 100 while the user is seated on a chair (e.g., while seated at a desk, workstation, computer, etc.). The front support apparatus 100 may include an accessory to an existing chair by which a user may place the front support apparatus 100 on the existing chair to achieve additional support at the user's torso and/or shoulders to improve spinal alignment and/or posture. For example, seat section 104 may be placed on a surface of a chair seat as shown, and the user may sit on seat section 104 while straddling front support section 102. In this way, seat section 104 is secured to the chair seat via the user's weight, and front support section 102 may support the front of the user. Front support section 102 may also assist to retain the user in an upright position when the user leans forward (e.g., to type on a keyboard).

In some implementations, front support section 102 and seat section 104 may be rigid and integrated components such that front support apparatus 100 is a single, integral piece. As described in greater detail below, front support section 102 and seat section 104 may be separable components that are attachable to each other and adjustable for custom fit based on a user's body shape and size. As further shown in FIG. 1, front support section 102 is substantially perpendicular to seat section 104. In some implementations, front support section 102 may be upright (e.g., at a 90-degree angle) to seat section 104.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of the front support apparatus. As shown in FIG. 2A, front support section 102 may be substantially centered on an end of seat section 104. In this way, a user may straddle (e.g., with the user's legs) the front support section 102 when seated on seat section 104. Alternatively, the front support section 102 may be positioned differently than is shown (e.g., may be positioned off-center on a left or right side of the seat section 104). As further shown in FIG. 2A, front support section 102 may include a top support section 106 having extending flanges 108. The flanges 108 may extend laterally to better support a chest or torso area of the user. In some implementations, the flanges 108 may be flat, or may be curved (e.g., to engage, support, and/or apply a force a user's shoulders to push the user's shoulders backwards and correct alignment of the shoulders). Front support apparatus 100 may also include a curve 110 adjoining front support section 102 and seat section 104. Alternatively, and with reference to FIG. 2B, front support apparatus 100 may include an indented curve 110′ and a corresponding contour sections 110″. Indented curve 110′ and contour sections 110″ may provide better support or better align the user's posture when a user sits on the seated section 104 by promoting an ergonomic pelvic tilt angle and reducing hip impingement via spreading of the user's legs to straddle contour sections 110″. FIGS. 3A and 3B show front views of front support apparatus 100. More specifically, FIG. 3A shows a front view of front support apparatus 100 of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3B, shows a front view of front support apparatus 100 of FIG. 2B.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an example front support section of the front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, front support section 102 may include a sleeve 112 having locking holes 113 via which a height of front support section 102 may be adjusted. For example, a pin may be inserted into a desired locking hole 113 to retain the height of front support section 102 in a desired position. In some implementations, the pin may be static, spring-loaded, compressible/pushable by the user, etc. As shown in FIG. 4, the height may be adjusted up or collapsed down based on a height of the user.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an example front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, front support apparatus 100 may not need to include seat section 104. Instead, front support section 102 of front support apparatus 100 may be attached directly to a seated portion of a chair. For example, front support section 102 may be welded, bolted, screwed, or otherwise fastened to the chair (e.g., as shown by reference number 114). That is, aspects of the present invention may include a chair having an integrated front support apparatus 100. More specifically, an embodiment of the invention may include a chair with a back and an integrated front support apparatus 100 as described herein.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an example front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, front support apparatus 100 may include a clamping bracket 120 for clamping front support apparatus 100 to a chair. Clamping bracket 120 may include a receiving space 122 to attach to front support section 102 via a protrusion 118. Clamping bracket 120 may further include a pin 126 which couples to a hole 127 and to a hole in protrusion 118 to attach clamping bracket 120 to front support section 102 (as shown in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 9). Clamping bracket 120 may also include an angle adjustment knob 124 to adjust an angle of 102 relative to a seated position of a user (as shown in greater detail below with respect to FIG. 9). Clamping bracket 120 may further include a clamping knob 128 having a threaded bolt and bolt clamping plate 130. Turning the clamping knob 128 drives the bolt and bolt clamping plate 130 up or down to clamp or unclamp the clamping bracket 120 from a chair (e.g., attached via a receiving section 132).

FIG. 7 shows a side view of example front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, clamping bracket 120 may clamp to a chair base 202 via receiving section 132. Clamping knob 128 may be used to secure clamping bracket 120 to the chair base. For example, clamping knob 128 may drive a threaded bolt upward to engage bolt clamping plate 130 such that clamping bracket 120 is held in place by the threaded bolt and a top section 134 of clamping bracket 120. In this way front support apparatus 100 may securably attach to chair base 202 such that front support section 102 may support the user from the front.

FIG. 8 shows a top view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 9 shows a side view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 9, angle adjustment knob 124 includes a threaded bolt for adjusting the angle of front support section 102. For example, the angle is adjusted as the bolt is driven into or out of clamping bracket 120 (e.g., by turning angle adjustment knob 124). FIG. 10 shows a side view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 10, a lateral clearance between front support section 102 and the user may be adjusted using pin 126 and holes 127. For example, lateral clearance between front support section 102 and the user may be increased by setting pin 126 towards a backside of clamping bracket 120. FIG. 11 shows a side view of details of an example clamping bracket for a front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 11, lateral clearance can be adjusted via pin 126′ having tightenable nut 125 and a slot 127′ (e.g., instead of via pin 126 and holes 127).

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of details of an example clamping bracket and front support component for a front support apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 12, front support section 102 may include a sleeve 112 through which a body 118 of the front support section 102 is provided. Body 118 may include height adjusting holes 134 via which a height may be selected using pin 133. Body 118 may also include a connecting hole 136 through which pin 126″ may be inserted to connect front support section 102 to clamping bracket 120. Connecting hole 136 may include a series of indents to engage pin 126″ to retain front support section 102 to clamping bracket 120. The angle of front support section 102 may also be adjusted by rotating front support section 102 around an axis of pin 126″ prior to inserting the front support section into the clamping bracket. The front support section is then inserted into the clamping bracket and pin 126″ is inserted through holes 127″ and connecting hole 136.

FIGS. 13A-13C show side views of various shapes of the front support apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown FIG. 13A, front support apparatus 100 may be a single component with a substantially straight front support section 102. As shown in FIG. 13B, front support apparatus 100 may be a single component with a substantially curved front support section 102. As shown in FIG. 13C, front support apparatus 100 may include separable or detachable components in which front support section 102 is detachable from seat section 104 via connection 140. Connection 140 may include a pin and hole connection, a fastener connection, and/or any combination of connections as previously shown in FIGS. 5-12.

FIGS. 14A-14C show perspective views of various shapes of a top support section 106 and front support section 102 of the front support apparatus 100 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14A, top support section 106 may be substantially round. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 14B, top support section 106 may be rectangular with a rounded end. Alternatively, and as shown in FIG. 14C, top support section 106 may connect to a pronged front support section 102 to reduce pressure or contact against the user's midsection and allow for more comfort and circulation.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show side views of an adjustable extendable front support section in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15A, front support section 102 may include an extendable support section 150. The extendable support section 150 may include a threaded bolt and nut via which the threaded bolt may be driven to drive the extendable support section 150 towards or away from the user. In this way, front support apparatus 100 may be adjusted to better suit users of different sizes or having different support preferences. The extendable support section 150 may also include cushion 152 to provide better support and user comfort. FIG. 16 shows a side view of an adjustable extendable front support section in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 16, the extendable support section 150 may include a pin and hole system, push-pin system, or the like to adjust the extension of extendable support section 150.

As described herein, front support apparatus 100 may provide a simple way for a user to obtain support from both the front and the back when front support apparatus 100 is used in conjunction with a chair having a back support. In this way, spinal alignment and/or posture may be improved when the user sits in a chair, particularly for an extended period of time.

It is emphasized that front support apparatus 100 is a device having structural features, as described herein, that permit the front support apparatus to be adapted to an existing chair. For example, front support apparatus 100 may be constructed with appropriate dimensions and shapes such that front support apparatus 100 may be used in conjunction with an existing chair, contrary to other devices in the art. For example, in an embodiment, front support apparatus 100 may be constructed with structural features and with appropriate shapes and dimensions to be placed on an existing chair and held in place by a user's weight during operation (e.g., as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3B. In an embodiment, front support apparatus 100 may be constructed with structural features and with appropriate shapes and dimensions to be attached to an existing chair and secured with clamping structures (e.g., as described above with respect to FIGS. 6-12). In an embodiment, front support apparatus 100 may be integrated with a chair such that the chair includes both front and back supports (e.g., as described above with respect to FIG. 5).

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention may be made from any variety of suitable materials and may include additional components not shown (e.g., cushions on seat section 104, additional supportive devices, etc.). The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

The descriptions above are not intended to serve as medical advice, nor should the apparatus described above be used without medical consultation from a licensed and qualified medical professional. The possible benefits of the apparatus may vary on an individual basis and no claim is being made with respect to a specific result for an individual using the disclosed apparatus. 

1. A seating posture support apparatus comprising: a seat section; and a front support section integral with the seat section, the front support section being substantially perpendicular to the seated section, the front support section comprising a top support section, wherein the apparatus is capable of being placed on a chair via the seat section and held in place on the chair by user weight.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front support section is substantially curved.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flanges extending and protruding horizontally from the top support section, and wherein the seated section includes one or more contour sections directly contacting the front support section.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a sleeve, wherein the front support section is provided in the sleeve.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising height adjustment holes in the sleeve.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front support section is substantially narrow in relation to the seated section.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front support section is substantially round.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the front support section includes pronged sections.
 9. A front torso support apparatus comprising: a front support section extending substantially vertically, the front support section comprising a top support section, and a clamp at a distal end of the front support section, wherein the clamp is capable of attaching the front support section to a chair seat.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the front support section is substantially curved.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a sleeve, wherein the front support section is provided in the sleeve and the sleeve includes height adjustment holes.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the front support section is detachably connected with a seat section, wherein the seat section is the chair seat.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the clamp comprises a knob with a threaded bolt configured to attach to the chair seat.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the front support section is adjustable, the front support section further comprising at least one of an incline angle adjustment mechanism, a height adjustment mechanism, or a depth adjustment mechanism.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the incline angle adjustment mechanism, the height adjustment mechanism, or the depth adjustment mechanism is selected from a group consisting of a pushable spring-loaded pin with corresponding holes, a removable pin with corresponding holes, and a rotatable angle adjustment knob.
 16. A chair comprising: a back section; a seated section; and a front support section integral with the seated section, the front support section being substantially perpendicular to the seated section, the front support section comprising a top support section.
 17. The chair of claim 16, wherein the front support section is substantially curved.
 18. The chair of claim 16, wherein the front support section is substantially straight.
 19. The chair of claim 16, further comprising a sleeve, wherein the front support section is provided in the sleeve, the sleeve comprising height adjustment holes.
 20. The chair of claim 16, wherein the front support section is substantially narrow in relation to the seated section.
 21. The chair of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of flanges extending and protruding horizontally from the top support section. 